Prisoners given dogs in jail in bid to boost mood and morale of lags including convicted sex offenders

The dogs used in the scheme are from a nearby rescue centre (Image: Cherie Williams / Triangle News)

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HMP Norwich is a category B/C jail with almost 800 inmates that also houses dozens of sex offenders.

It was recently the subject of an ITV1 reality TV show - Her Majesty's Prison: Norwich - which followed some of the inmates as they struggled to adapt to prison life.

Staff shortages at the prison were highlighted recently, with one officer often left to look after 50 inmates.

Cutbacks have caused major problems at the prison, with restricted regimes and the Ministry of Justice's Independent Monitoring Board warning in a report from August 2017 that safety had been compromised.

But despite that, dogs are still being taken in regularly for lags to fuss, pet, walk and train.

Michele Neave, Rescue-Rehab's project leader, said: "We take in dogs with a behaviourist and we work with prisoners who train and socialise with the animals to try and get them a home.

"For the prisoners, initially we went in very much for mental health support, because an animal is a huge positive just being in a room with them.

"But what we found throughout last year is that it is also a great booster for developing soft skills, such as learning to speak with confidence because you have to be able to have a dialogue with the dog.

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Organisers hope to develop the course by increasing the number of practical sessions and adding a classroom-based session.

Ms Neave, who is also the founder of Norwich Best For Pets, an information service for pet owners, added: "It's been going really well and we're now looking to extend and develop the project.

"We have had interest from one other prison.

"The results can be almost immediate. You walk into the room with a dog it changes the whole dynamic, particularly if there is a prisoner who is an animal lover who has been struggling - the animal does the work for you.

"The dogs have a profound effect - they don't judge, they need help and respond to kindness.

"We like to think that we are nurturing kindness and promoting empathy.

"It's good for the prisoners, good for the prison while the dogs also benefit and I am really hopeful the scheme can be expanded in the near future. It's win, win, win."

However some criticised the scheme when many prisons are at breaking point with staff shortages, low morale and crumbling buildings.

James Price, Campaign Manager at the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "Whilst many of us feel that punishment should form a part of prison experience, anything that cuts reoffending rates and improves chances that prisoners can become productive members of society should be encouraged."

But he added: "This scheme should be scrutinised for cost-effectiveness, but if it saves taxpayers money and makes the prison a better place for staff, it may work."

"Ultimately, responsibility rests with the Police and Crime Commissioner as the source of the scheme's funding, so taxpayers and voters will be able to judge him and the scheme at the ballot box."